If you want to make computer games, then yep — you’ll need a computer. To get started in learning how to make games, you won’t need an incredible computer — we can work with everything from Chromebooks to workstations, using Windows, Linux, or MacOS.

But if you want to design tabletop games, we can do that without a computer too.

Absolutely not! All you need is a passion to create cool things. You’ll be amazed at how far that passion might carry you.

Not necessarily! And that’s okay — game development isn’t super easy, and I find it tickles a different part of my brain than playing games. So if it’s not for you, that’s just fine — even a small amount of understanding about how games are made will only increase your appreciation for the games you play.

And if you do end up loving it, all the better!

You don’t! Unless you do. I’m not a gatekeeper of knowledge — if there is a video tutorial that is good, by all means I’ll use it. Get information from anywhere you can.

There are times, however, when that content isn’t totally accurate, isn’t the best practice, or is misleading. Or it might be at a level that doesn’t make sense yet. I can help develop an understanding of game development beyond just following step-by-step instructions.

Probably the most difficult part of learning game development is keeping it up, which is particularly difficult on your own. Having regular meetings to share progress keeps you on track and focused.

Ultimately, game development is a collaborative process, and having someone to work with only accelerates your learning.

I’ve had students start with game development as young as 12 years old. And in terms of being too old? No such thing. You can always start making games, either with the goal of a career change or simply as a hobby.

Yes. But keep in mind your favorite game might have had 140 people working on it for three years.

When starting out in game development, your first few games are going to suck. And that’s great! The real thing is learning from each game, and improving with every new project.

The real trick to making a game like <insert title here> is figuring out what you really like about that game, and how you can replicate that feeling without replicating the whole game.

While some software used in professional game development can be fantastically expensive, we’ll be using alternatives that are either completely free or at a low cost.

You don’t, but they’re pretty cool.

Playing games and making games are very different practices. Making games is a practice of problem-solving, iteration, and creativity. It’ll help with learning math, visual development, psychology, and many other disciplines. It really spans a broad set of skills.